Is it all in my head?

After nine years of constant use, I had to replace my old Marantz DV 8300, a first-generatiion uni-player from them. It had extensive upgrades, and it was used in conjunction with a Genesis Digital Time Lens, and Musical Fidelity A3 24 DAC. Both of these having been modded as well.

I acquired a McIntosh MVP 871 Universal (which has also been modded). I can switch between the McIntosh on its own, or the McIntosh as transport with the outboard DAC and Time Lens in use.

The new player was a very nice jump in overall sound quality, which was no surprise. What is a surprise is, there is very lttle difference to be heard between the lone McIntosh, or with the outboard DAC and Time Lens switched in.

I listen mostly to the MVP 871 by itself, but occaisionally, if things sound a bit ragged, the DAC/Time Lens do smooth things out a bit. The Mac has a bit more detail, but not by much.

Other than that, there is no discernable difference, but as I said, the 871 was a nice step up for me.

Just my observations, regards,
Dan

02-23-13: Isochronism
Jmcgrogan,
I always enjoy your posts!!
Regarding your pea/mattress analogy, (the princess and the pea) the pee on top of the mattress is more detectable.

LOL!! Thanks for the laugh and the compliment. :)

Welcome to hi-end world of fantasy differences that impact your wallet and not your ears. Sadly, since you are now among the unbelievers, you will not be able to fund our madness any further. However, we will move on to others. The beast will not let us have peace.

B limo - I had a similar experience when I upgraded my cdp from a Yamaha CDX1030 to a Meridian G08. I was talking with a friend (who had a much nicer setup) and he suggested stop comparing every few min. He said I was used to the Yamaha sound and just listen to the Meridian for a few days but preferably weeks and then put the Yamaha back in. I couldn't wait weeks so after 3 days I put the Yamaha back in. Now I heard the difference but still wasn't all that impressed for the money. Anyhow I ran the Meridian for several weeks and decided to put the Yamaha back in for giggles and yes I hear a huge difference which made me think how could I have not heard the difference then. Anyhow I still can't answer my own question to myself. So now that several years went by I can honestly say the Yamaha sounds very dry and much less dynamic compared to the Meridian.

02-23-13: Rodman99999
What cable are you using, between the transport and DAC? Less than excellent and you could negate any audible gains that, otherwise, might be realized via the outboard DAC.

That's right B. You need to buy one of those $2500(at the very least) cables to hear the difference. Some of those $750 each footers will help also.